Nov. 14, 2008

MANCHESTER, NH – Junior M Jhony Valencia (Lowell, MA) scored two goals – including the game-winner in the 82nd minute – to lead No. 4 UMass Lowell over No. 5 Molloy Friday in the NCAA Division II Men’s Soccer Tournament at George J. Larkin Field.

With the victory, the River Hawks improved to 12-3-4 and meet No. 1 and host Southern New Hampshire (15-2-4) Sunday at 1:00. Molloy capped a stellar season with a 12-6-2 clip.

In the other half of the East Region bracket, No. 6 Franklin Pierce defeated No. 3 Le Moyne (1-0) in Brentwood, NY and will meet No. 2 Dowling Sunday at 1:00.

“The NCAA Tournament is known for attracting the biggest teams and sometimes the biggest challenges,” said UMass Lowell Head Coach Ted Priestly. “I think going down a goal was one of several challenges that we overcame. As we know, in the NCAAs it’s not how pretty you play it’s winning the game that matters.”

The River Hawks battled back from a 1-0 deficit to snatch a 2-1 lead at the break.

Sophomore F Emmanuel Gamez (Freeport, NY) (Freeport, NY) opened the scoring in the 12th minute when he took a cross from junior F John-Paul Hughes (Manchester, England) beat a defender and tucked a shot in the lower left corner of the goal.

“Fortunately or unfortunately, we’ve been down a goal several times this season,” Priestly noted. “Fortunately we showed some character and resolve and were able to come back, but it’s something we’d like to avoid.”

The lead was short-lived as the River Hawks leveled in the 19th minute. Senior M Matias Pietropinto (Leominster, MA) sent a cross from the right side into the far left corner of the box which sophomore F Stephen Potcner (Wilmington, MA) headed into the middle where Valencia headed inside the right post.

Valencia and freshman F Diego Tabares (Seekonk, MA) combined in the 26th minute to give the River Hawks a 2-1 edge when Tabares was brought down in the penalty box by Molloy goalkeeper Ettore Morelli (North Bellmore, NY).

Valencia’s penalty kick was gloved off the left post by Morelli, but Tabares was there for the put-back header.

The Lions started fast again in the second half when senior M William Bell (Valley Stream, NY) converted a penalty kick after Gamez was felled in the box two minutes into the half. Bell tucked the attempt into the left corner under the sprawling Richards.

Molloy nearly went ahead in the 60th minute when Gamez curled a shot from the top left of the box which caromed off the right post. Potcner nearly did the same a minute later when his header off a Pietropinto cross soared agonizingly over the bar.

“Molloy is a class operation from top to bottom,” Priestly said. “They have had a wonderful season. What (head coach) Danny Longo has done with that program is remarkable.”

Richards was at his best in the 74th minute when he stopped an attempt deep in the right side of the box by sophomore Jose Batista (Forest Hills, NY). Sophomore F Mike Marques (Mineola, NY) was there for the rebound, which he put wide left.

“We got some timely goalkeeping from Ryan today,” said Priestly. “He has been the backbone of this team all season and continues to lead us from the back. We’re always happy to have Ryan on our side.”

NCAA Tournament East Region First Round
UMass Lowell-Molloy College
At Manchester, NH

Goalkeepers
Ettore Morelli (MOL): 5 saves, 90:00
Ryan Richards (UML): 2 saves, 90:00